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Best restaurants 
Best cafes 
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Sapporo is typically known for its snowy winters and annual Snow Festival, but it’s the rich culinary scene that truly sets it apart. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a food lover’s paradise, and Sapporo sits at the heart of it all.
From the morning markets serving buttery uni and just-caught fish, to creamy soft serve made from Hokkaido’s famously rich milk, the flavors here are bold, fresh, and unforgettable.
From cozy cafes and wine bars to bustling morning markets, this Sapporo Food Guide covers all my favorite spots to eat and drink in Hokkaido’s capital. Let’s dig in!
Best restaurants in Sapporo
Daiichi Kaisenmaru
If you have time for only one meal in Sapporo, make it this one! I stumbled upon this small shop in the early morning while strolling through the Nijo Fish Market.
This shop is known for their kaisendon, sashimi and sea urchin. Meals range from ¥2,900 to ¥5,000 depending on the type of fish. My kaisendon was packed full of fish, and served with a delcious miso soup.
The small restaurant opens at 7am, but I recommend arriving earlier to avoid a wait as the shop has only 8 seats.
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AZUMASI
Azumasi is a close second of my list of best restaurants in Sapporo. I got this recommendation from a local bartendar at the natural wine bar, so you know it’s a good one!
The sake steamed oysters were my favorite, with the brown butter scallops coming in a quick second place, but I don’t think that you could go wrong with anything on my menu. The staff is here is lovely, and were happy to recommend some dishes as I sat alone at the bar.
Toriton
Toriton is one of Sapporo’s most loved conveyor belt sushi spots, famous among both tourists and locals. I visited the Kita 8 location and arrived 10 minutes before opening to a massive line. I ended up only waiting an hour but I have heard the wait can often reach as long as 3 hours. So come early or prepare to be standing in line for a long time—it’s that good.
Each table or seat along the conveyor belt has an individual kiosk to order from, making the ordering system super easy. I enjoyed delicious, fresh fish and seafood with super-fast service once I was seated.
The prices are super reasonable, with my meal coming to around $10 USD for a decent amount of sushi.
Sapporo Nougakkou
This was hands-down, without a doubt, one of the best ice cream cones I have ever had. You’ll find this small stand inside a market in the JR Sapporo Station serving creamy Hokkaido milk-flavor ice cream cones. An ice cream costs 486 yen (or ~$3.30 as of September 2025).
The ice cream is super thick and creamy, without being too sweet. It pairs perfectly with the buttery, sweet cookie that accompanies it.
You’re not allowed to walk around with your ice cream, but there is a small standing area within the market where you can enjoy your cone.
The shop is open from 9:00-21:00 daily.
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Natural Wine Bar Bannachu
If there is natural wine to be found, you know i’m finding it. Bannachu in the heart of Sapporo boasts a menu of exclusively natural wines. They offer both international and regional wines, so I definitely recommend trying one that is local to Hokkaido. I was able to try some that were produced locally in Yoichi, a small wine-making area not too far from Sapporo.
There is a cover charge (~¥1,000) which often comes with a small snack. They have a menu of small bites as well if you’re hungry.
Izakaya Aiyo TanukiKouji 4-chome
One my first time in Sapporo I stumbled into this lively izayaka right by my hotel, and I was not disappointed. They offer a huge menu that brings together the best of Hokkaido’s fresh seafood, vegetables and regional sake in a chic yet relaxed izakaya setting
I was personally a fan of their sashimi, which of course paired perfectly with some cold sake.
Rojiura Curry Samurai
No visit to Sapporo is complete without a taste of the famous Hokkaido-style soup curry. And Rojiura Curry Samurai is a great place to sample this delicious regional dish.
The chicken and vegetable curry is a standout, featuring tender chicken and an assortment of cooked Hokkaido vegetables in a rich broth. You can control the level of spiciness for the dish.
Pair it with rice and a soft-boiled egg for the full experience. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to try one of Hokkaido’s most beloved dishes.
Teshikaga Ramen
Teshikaga Ramen is located within Sapporo’s famous Ramen Alley, Ganso Ramen Yokocho, a narrow, steamy lane lined with small ramen shops serving up some of Hokkaido’s most iconic noodle bowls.
Known for its rich miso ramen made with locally sourced ingredients from eastern Hokkaido, Teshikaga stands out for its flavorful broth and perfectly charred chashu pork. The cozy counter setup offers an authentic local experience, especially on a snowy Sapporo night.
Kaitensushi pasaaru
Kaitensushi Pasaaru is a casual and affordable conveyor belt sushi spot in Sapporo, great for sampling a range of fresh Hokkaido seafood. Each dish is clearly priced by plate color, making it easy to keep track of your spending.
It’s a great place to enjoy high-quality sushi without the formality or price tag of an omakase — ideal for a quick lunch or an easy dinner between sightseeing stops.
This place was recommended to me by the bartender at the natural wine bar, so you know it’s good.
LAMP LIGHT BOOKS HOTEL
Located in the heart of Sapporo’s Tanukikoji Shopping Street, this simple but cozy hotel is a great base for exploring the best food Sapporo has to offer. I spent a week here and loved it!
Best cafes in Sapporo
Gyokusuien
Gyokusuien is a traditional teahouse tucked away in the heart of Sapporo, offering an authentic Japanese tea experience. Founded in 1933, the owners of the small tea shop are super knowledgeable and kind.
I visited a number of times during my stay in Sapporo to enjoy a warm, freshly whisked matcha. I highly recommend trying one of their ice cream cones – a matcha ice cream topped with creamy Hokkaido soft serve, bean paste, and crispy rice.
You can also find a selection of matcha powders and hojicha powders (roasted in-house) to buy to take home, as well as ceramic matcha bowls and chasen.
Gyokusuien is a perfect stop for those seeking a quiet, cultural pause in their day.
Both card and cash are accepted.
SATURDAYS Chocolate Factory&Cafe
SATURDAYS Chocolate Factory & Café is a café and bean-to-bar chocolate shop in the heart Sapporo. The space serves single-origin chocolates made on-site, along with rich drinking chocolate, espresso drinks, and house-made pastries. I got the mocha and it was easily the best mocha I’ve ever had, rich but not too sweet.
You can watch the chocolate-making process through glass windows while enjoying a cozy cafe atmosphere. It’s the perfect stop for an afternoon break or to pick up beautifully packaged souvenirs.
d: matcha
Matcha lovers, d:matcha is another great option if you’re looking to enjoy a matcha. They offer both matcha tastings and matcha specalities like lattes and desserts. You can find matcha powder for sale here, although they do tend to be on the pricier side.
KINOTOYA BAKE (Pole Town store)
KINOTOYA BAKE is known for two things: baked cheese tarts, Hokkaido milk soft serve. They also serve a seasonal pastry. The ice cream is delicious, but not as good as Sapporo Nougakkou, if you have to choose. The baked cheese tarts, similar to a Portuguese pastel de nata, are the real star of the show!
Mermaid Coffee Roasters
Mermaid Coffee Roasters is a cozy specialty coffee shop in Sapporo known for its expertly roasted beans and minimalist Scandinavian-inspired design. The space is super cozy, perfect for hanging out with a good book.
If you stop by, try their espresso. It’s smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced, highlighting the roastery’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Pair it with one of their small pastries or baked goods.
Visiting Japan? Here are some other articles to check out:
- 12 Beautiful Places to Visit in Japan
- My experience renting a car in Japan
- Guide to Matsushima, Japan
- Guide to Uji, Japan
- 3 Week Japan Itinerary
- 21 Best Things to do in Kyoto
- 11 Things to Know Before Visiting Japan
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